Steve Leisring
Trumpet Faculty | The Global Conservatory
Steve Leisring is one of the most respected trumpet educators and performers of his generation, with over 40 years of teaching and international performing experience. Based in the United States, he is Professor of Music (Trumpet) and Associate Dean for Global Engagement at the University of Kansas. Fluent in English and Spanish, he teaches Intermediate through Professional players with a focus on efficiency, problem-solving, and long-term musical growth.
- Before joining KU, Steve spent fourteen years as a member of the Tenerife Symphony Orchestra (Spain). Since then, he has been invited as a guest professor and performer in more than 50 institutions worldwide, including conservatories and academies across Europe, Asia, Australia, and the Americas. His extensive international reach includes over 20 residencies in China and teaching across 10 European countries, making him one of the most globally active trumpet pedagogues today.
- As a performer, Steve has appeared as guest principal trumpet with major ensembles including the Kansas City Symphony, RTVE Orchestra (Spain), Shenzhen Symphony, Tianjin Symphony, Harbin Symphony (China), and the Tokyo Symphony (Japan). He has also performed with the Dallas, Milwaukee, and San Diego Symphonies, as well as the Spanish National Orchestra, Galicia Symphony, Gothenburg Symphony under Neeme Järvi, and many others. His solo engagements include the Kalisz Philharmonic (Poland), Maryland Symphony, and orchestras throughout China.
- Steve’s influence extends into the jazz world as well—performing as a featured soloist with the University of Kansas Jazz Ensemble 1 at the Kennedy Centre and at major international festivals including Montreux (Switzerland), Jazz à Vienne (France), and Umbria Jazz Festival (Italy).
- His former students now hold major positions across three continents, including:
– Principal chairs in the National Orchestras of Spain and Latvia
– Tokyo Symphony
– CCOM and Harbin Symphonies (China)
– Charleston Symphony
– US Navy Band & Danish Navy Band
– Dallas Brass
– Des Moines Opera, Wichita Grand Opera
– Finalists of national and international competitions - Others have performed with the New York Philharmonic, Los Angeles Philharmonic, Philadelphia Orchestra, Minnesota Orchestra, Houston Symphony, San Francisco Symphony, and numerous military ensembles across the United States and abroad.
- With a career defined by artistry, mentorship, and global impact, Steve Leisring continues to shape the next generation of trumpet players through clarity of technique, musical depth, and a lifetime of professional excellence.
